Social media use, stress and depression among Makerere University undergraduate students

Abstract

The study sought to establish the relationship between social media use, stress and depression among Makerere university undergraduate students. It was guided by the following objectives: To examine the relationship between social media use and depression among young adults,; To examine the relationship between social media use and stress among young adults, :To examine the relationship between stress and depression among young adults. The study was conducted at Makerere University. It used a cross sectional correlational research design. The study approach used was quantitative. A sample of 100 students was selected who participated in the study. A simple random sampling method was used to select the students. The researcher adopted standardised self-administered questionnaire. Data was analysed using the statistical package for social scientist (SPSS). Descriptive results are presented in form of frequencies and percentages. Pearson’s (r) Product Moment Correlation co-efficient revealed that there’s no relationship between social media use and depression. Also, results revealed that social media is not related to students stress levels. Finally, stress and depression were not significantly related. This study recommends that university management should ensure that there psycho social support programs to deal with stress and depression.